President William Ruto has been caught red-handed in regards to his latest remarks that the government had reunited all victims of kidnappings and forced disappearances.
During a joint briefing with Finnish President Alexander Stubb at State House Nairobi, Ruto claimed that everyone who had been abducted during the 2024 protests had been found and returned to their families.
But this statement has sparked outrage, especially from Vocal Africa, a lobby group that has been working closely with victims’ families. The group says Ruto’s comments are not just false, but also hurtful to those still waiting for answers.
Hussein Khalid, CEO of Vocal Africa, said several people who were taken during the Gen Z-led protests in 2024 are still missing. He added that the President’s remarks ignore the pain of families still searching for loved ones.
Vocal Africa has documented many cases of missing persons using direct interviews, investigations, and reports from local communities. The group named several individuals who are still unaccounted for, including Emmanuel Mukuria from Githurai and Dennis Chege and Peter Macharia, last seen in Nairobi CBD on June 25, 2024. They also mentioned Martin Mbisi and Kalani Muema, who went missing in Mlolongo on December 17, 2024.
“These are not isolated incidents,” the group said. “They are part of a larger pattern of abuse and lack of accountability by the state.”
Vocal Africa now wants President Ruto to meet with families of the missing in person. They believe the only way forward is to first acknowledge that the problem exists.
“Healing starts with truth,” they said. “We’re ready to arrange for these families to meet the President and share their stories face to face.”